Insurance claims after a car crash in Mississippi

On Behalf of Lake Tindall, LLP | March 7, 2023 | Car Accidents

If you’ve been in an accident in Mississippi, one of the first things you’ll likely need to do is file an insurance claim. This can be a daunting process, especially if you’re unsure what to do. To ensure that you get what you deserve, here’s what you need to know about the basics of filing a claim.

Types of insurance claims

There are two types of insurance claims for motor vehicle accidents: first and third party. First-party claims are filed with your own insurance company while third-party claims are filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Mississippi is an at-fault auto accident state, so you can file both types of claims to get maximum compensation to cover all your injuries, property damage, lost wages and injury rehabilitation if necessary.

What to do immediately after an accident

The first thing you should do is call the police. Next, make sure everyone involved is okay. If they are, exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. Get their name, contact information, insurance company and policy number. It is also a good idea to take photos of the accident scene if you can do so. These photos can help document what happened and be used as evidence if necessary.

Reporting the accident to your insurance company

The next thing to do is call your own insurance company and report the accident. Be sure to have all of your information ready when you call, including the other driver’s insurance information and any photos and videos of the scene. The claims representative will likely ask you a series of questions about the accident and take down all necessary information. They may also ask you to come in for an interview so that they can get a complete picture of what happened. Be careful that you don’t say, do or show something that the insurance may use to reduce your compensation.

You can also file a lawsuit or a claim with the other driver’s insurance company if they were responsible for the accident. No matter the path you choose, you have the right to seek compensation that covers everything you need.